Otti Urges Peace, Unity As Abia Celebrates Christmas

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged Nigerians to recommit to peace, tolerance, and mutual respect as the world marks Christmas.

Governor Otti stated this on Sunday, at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, during the Festival of Carols 2025, organised by the state government, with theme, “A Christmas To Remember”

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, encouraged everyone to spread the message of Christmas to their homes, workplaces, and communities.

“This is a special season that reminds us of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, a season of love, hope, sacrifice, and goodwill to all.

“As we celebrate this season, I urge us all to extend love to one another, to remember the less privileged among us, and to renew our commitments to peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.

“Let us carry the message of Christmas beyond this venue, into our homes, our workplaces, and our communities”, Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti affirmed that the Abia state government remains committed to delivering people-focused governance, fostering inclusive development, and ensuring the benefits of democracy touch every part of the state.

He maintained that, “Together, with faith and unity, we will continue to build an Abia state that works for all”.

The Governor, appreciating the organisers of the Abia Festival of Carols, the choir, musicians, clergy, and all partners for their dedication, took the occasion to wish all Abians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous, peaceful New Year ahead.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, characterised Christmas as a season of joy, hope, peace, and love.

“While Christmas is a time set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it also means several things to several people.

“But nevertheless, as we come together this evening, we come with a message of peace and hope. And this message is central to the Christmas season.

“These values speak to our resilience and our capacity to overcome adversity, no matter how daunting.

“So when you look at the global challenges and the national issues, it’s different for us in Abia State.

“For us in Abia State, the message of Christmas resonates deeply. We are living witnesses to a remarkable transformation, one of renewal, one of new beginnings, and one of significant progress.

“Abia’s journey over the past 30 months of its legislative administration affirms that hope can be both powerful and transformational”, Prof. Kalu concluded.

In a vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuruibe, thanked God for uniting Abians once more to celebrate His faithfulness at this year’s Festival of Carols.

Mr. Ekwuruibe expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for his support of the programme and applauded the organisers’ commitment to making the event a success.

The Festival of Carols featured performances by various choirs from churches and groups, including the Abia brass band. Nollywood actors and actresses from Abia presented special gifts to the Governor, appreciating his impactful efforts in the state. The event drew notable attendees including the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Chidinma Otti; the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu; Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Commissioners, other senior officials, clergy, and many dignitaries.

Otti Urges Peace, Unity As Abia Celebrates Christmas is first published on The Whistler Newspaper